General DNR News
New Rules for the Louisiana Oilfield Announced
Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation James H. Welsh has issued effective June 29, 2008, two Emergency Rules regarding drilling safety requirements for oil and gas wells located within the state. The temporary moratorium prohibiting drilling within a quarter of a mile of all Louisiana’s interstate highways is now lifted, he said, and the two emergency rules will be in effect for 120 days.
Mineral Lease Sale over the Top - $35 million for June
The state Mineral Board, yesterday, collected $35.8 million in cash bonus payments for leases primarily onshore but particularly from oil and gas leasing taking place in northwest Louisiana, closing out the fiscal year with the highest bonus year for the state since FY 82-83.
Drilling Order near interstates continues for 30 days
Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation James Welsh has issued today a second continuance of a drilling ban imposed last November, prohibiting any new permits for wells to be drilled within a quarter of a mile of an interstate highway.
16 Eurasian Executives visit DNR
It was not just one of those routine days at the office. On Monday, May 19th, the LaSalle Office Building and the state Department of Natural Resources opened its doors to visitors from Eurasia – Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the Ukraine. The group of 16 men and women delegates, who traveled to the U.S. as part of the Special American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT), were particularly interested in the oil and gas industry and commercial opportunities that might exists between this country and theirs.
State Mineral Board Holds May Lease Sale
The State Mineral Board conducted its monthly Lease Sale on May 14, 2008, in the Conservation and Mineral Resources Hearing Room of the LaSalle Office Building in Baton Rouge.
DNR staff appointments named
State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Scott Angelle announced today the appointment of three members of his executive staff. Robert D. Harper, Marjorie McKeithen, and James H. Welsh have returned to top positions they previously held with the department.
DNR Secretary announces new deputy secretary
State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Scott Angelle has announced the appointment of Lori E. LeBlanc as the department's new Deputy Secretary.
Humane Society Honors State Officials
State Department of Natural Resources’ Human Resources Director Mary Ginn was recently recognized for her role in animal protection, specifically for wildlife on Louisiana state parks.
CONSERVATION OFFICE ISSUES NEW DRILLING ORDER
Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation James Welsh issued today a 60-day continuance of a moratorium on new drilling operations in the state within one quarter of a mile distance to interstates. According to Commissioner Welsh, a committee selected to review information and current drilling safety regulations in Louisiana and in other oil and gas producing states has not yet completed their work.
Incident Inspection Report Available
Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation James Welsh, in response to the Iberia Parish Council and U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu’s Office, has issued details about a recent incident and an inspection report completed by his office on the Jefferson Island Storage and Hub Facility located in Iberia parish.